March 18, 2014

Situated 85 kms from Ahmedabad,India,Lothal, dated 2400 BCE,is one of the most important relics of Indus Valley Civilization.It was discovered in 1954. Excavation by Archaeological society of India started from 1955 and went on till 1962.

Lothal was a port, on the banks of Sabarmati river, connecting, Saurashtra with Harappan cities in Sindh. Remains of dock exist today as a proof of the thriving trade which must have developed between cities, thanks to this river route.

It is believed that this dockyard could hold 30 ships of 60 tons each. Making it comparable to many modern day ports!

Photos of the dock, as it stands today, at Lothal. Lothal means "Mounds of the dead" in Gujarati. Co-incidently, Mohenj-daro in Sindhi also means the same.

"Mound of the dead" -Lothal , Gujarat

Relics of the past at Lothal, Gujarat Town of Lothal was situated on the mound as a protection against frequent floods in the region.

Town was divided into parts. Upper part had residences of the ruler,rich merchants as well as the storage for keeping the goods which were traded by sea route. While lower town had commercial establishments as well as residences.

One can see well planned out network of drainage system.

Remains of ancient well at Lothal.

Lower Town - LothalLothal was famous for its bead jewellery and jwellery made out of Gold and Ivory. Major export of these items was done via sea route. Lothal was quite prosperous town thanks to its industrious and artistic people.

Today Lothal is facing a grave crisis due to salinity issue and effects of weather on the structures. Archaeology department has established a museum which contains variety of objects found during the excavation.

Information for visitors:

Can be accessed from Ahmedabad. Situated around 85 kms from Ahmedabad, hiring a taxi is the ideal way to reach the destination. Roads are wonderful throughout. One can also combine this visit with Velavadar Blackbuck sanctuary.which is around 70 kms away.

7 comments:

Thank you Sonali-di for this informative look into the Indus peoples. It is a shame that the majority of the world has no idea that the Indus Valley civilizations are older than the oldest stories in the history books, especially in the western world, and that there are many advances that have been accredited to others, like the plumbing systems shown in your photos. As for Mr. Finnell, your "fiction" has no place in the real world.